MOVING FORWARD

Chapter 5✍️

        

“Where are my freaking clothes?” I shouted at the top of my voice. The door swung open, and someone walked in. I looked up and my eyes widened in horror. It was the same guy I met at the club! “What was his name again?” I thought to myself, panic setting in. “I don’t even remember and I don’t care!!!”

 

 

“No, no, no, this can’t be happening, I exclaimed, my voice and hands trembling. “W-what am I doing in your… your house?” I stuttered, trying to process the situation. “Who brought me here?” I demanded, my anger rising.

 

The guy’s expression remained calm, but I could see a sense of amusement dancing in his eyes.

“You don’t remember me, do you?” He asked, his voice low but smooth.

 

I shook my head, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration. “No, I…I don’t, and funny enough, I don’t care. The only thing I wish to know is, Why the hell am I in your fucking bed?” That’s all I want to know.

 

I tilted my head sideways, trying to calm my frazzled nerves down. “And come to think of it, it’s not enough that you made me spend the night in your bed. You changed my clothes and put me in your shirt? Are you Insane?” I demanded, my anger boiling over.

 

His silence was annoying, and I felt my irritation grow. “Say something! Why are you so quiet?” I pressed, my voice rising.

 

“Okay,” He said, his hands on his beards and his voice low and smooth. “Firstly, you look so beautiful this morning.” Immediately, that rolled out of his mouth. My heart skipped a bit at the compliment, but still, I didn’t soften my face.

 

“And secondly,” he continued, “We met at the club last night. My name is Kelvin.”

 

I glared at him, my expression unyielding. Sincerely, I recognized him when I saw him walk through that door. But definitely not his name. I was sincere when I said I didn’t remember his name.

 

I looked at him again, taking in his chiseled features and piercing brown eyes. He was handsome, no doubt but I was done with men and love. So I felt nothing but unease and I just wanted to get out of there.

 

“Where did you bring me to your house?” I asked again, my voice firmer this time.

 

Kelvin's expression turned serious, his eyes locked on mine for a moment. “You had a lot to drink, he said finally. I think you may have blacked out.”

 

I raised the duvet cover, checking if my body was still intact before throwing another question at him. “So, you changed my clothes? I asked, my voice laced with accusation.

 

Kelvin held his hands up in a defensive gesture.

“No, it was my housekeeper that did, and before you otherwise, I didn’t touch you. As a matter of fact, I didn’t sleep in this bed with you last night. So will you calm down now? He added, his voice tinged with sincerity.

 

I shook my head, “No,” I responded curtly, almost immediately. “Please, could you tell your housekeeper to get me my clothes? I want to leave”

 

His expression turned thoughtful. “She’s making breakfast, won’t you have breakfast before you leave?

 

I clearly had the look off. “I don’t want to be here for another 5seconds so why is he persisting? I thought to myself, so I declined quickly and said, “No, just help tell your housekeeper to get me my clothes and my other stuffs. My phone and my purse. I want to leave now!.

 

Kelvin nodded, a hint of disappointment flickering across his face. “Okay, I’ll get you your clothes.

 

Few minutes later, he brought my clothes, my phone and purse. My dress was well ironed. I didn’t bother to thank him.

 

“Can you get out? I want to change. I said rudely, trying to sound very sincere.

 

He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. I’ll wait for you outside while you get dressed.

 

I nodded, feeling a sense of awkwardness. As kelvin walked out of the room, I quickly got dressed, my mind racing with thoughts and questions.

 

What had happened last night, and was he really truthful when he said he didn’t touch me?. I should go to a hospital to run tests. I mean, he’s just a random stranger. I shouldn’t trust anyone. I trusted Charles for 2 freaking whole years and he betrayed me, not to talk of someone I met barely 12hours ago.

 

As I finished dressing, I took a deep breath and walked out of the room. I met kelvin standing by the hallway near his front door, I guess, and I asked to confirm if that was his front door.

 

And he looked at me, and said “Yes,” So, are we going to see anytime soon?” He added, I hesitantly stopped to look at him, cause I see he still didn’t get the memo.

 

“Goodbye Kelvin,” I said to him and opened the door, welcoming the bright sunlight of the day.

 

 

I quickly hailed a cab, although the drive was slow, but I didn’t mind. I still had today to arrange my boxes, make my hair, survey my boutique before tomorrow. My flight is for 6 am .

 

The driver pulled over. It was then I realized I was home already. I quickly got out, paid him, and went inside the house.

 

 

I pushed the door open, and I was welcomed with a pacing Lizzy, her face etched with worry and frustration. Ella stood beside her, trying to calm her down, but she was clearly having none of it.

 

“Jesus Christ, Starr, where the hell have you been?” Lizzy exploded the moment she saw me, her voice trembling with a mix of relief and anger. “Do you want to give me a heart attack? I was almost calling the station for a missing person!” She threw her hands up, her eyes blazing with exasperation.

 

I felt a pant of guilt as I took in Lizzy’s state. She had been worried sick about me, and I had put her through that.

 

“Lizzy, I’m sorry,” I didn’t mean to worry you. I just….I don’t know. I got drunk and I couldn’t find Ella anywhere again. When I wanted to leave, you know you I can’t leave without her.

 

“I was looking for you too Starr, I thought you had gone home with that hot chick, so I figured you’d be fine. Ella chipped in, but I wasn’t in the mood for long talk.

 

 

“So you got drunk? Lizzy asked, with anger clearly flashing on her face. You know? Suit yourself, she said, climbing up the stairs immediately.

 

At that moment, I knew my best friend was angry with me. But I wasn’t emotionally ready to argue with her. So I’ll just let her be for sometime. Hopefully by evening, when I get back, we’ll settle everything.

 

So, I just turned to Ella and told her I was fine and also asked if she was good? Cause I didn’t want her feeling sad cause Lizzy got angry.

 

After hearing her say she’s fine, and also sorry for leaving me, in the hands of a stranger, I told her everything was okay and went upstairs.

 

I took my bath, dressed in a very light floral gown, and went to a hospital close by. So the doctor had me checked and assured me everything was okay. No sign of force or sex. Then I headed to the salon to make my hair.

 

I installed one of my luxurious hairs and had my manicure and pedicure done. It was already half-past three when I finished, so I headed for the mall to restock , after buying all I needed. I came out, and I saw that the sun was beginning to set. I hadn’t realized that I spent so much time in there. So I headed for my boutique to check things out.

 

I called Lizzy to come assist me, so I can show her how things run in there. Although she knew most of the things, because we always did most of the calculations together but it had been quite sometime since she last visited.

 

Although, Lizzy was still angry, but came out to meet me, anyway. After checking things out, the sun had already set, and it was past 8, so we headed home.

 

As we walked inside the house, I spoke to my best friend, “Hey babes, please, let’s talk. We shouldn’t part ways with anger and malice. It doesn’t make sense.” I took a deep breath and continued, “Fine, I know I did wrong. I mean, after promising I wouldn’t take alcohol, I still did…”

 

But Lizzy cut me off, “Yes,but you still did! Do I need to keep on reminding you that you have a freaking medical condition?” Her eyes were wide with fear, and her voice trembled. “Starr, I don’t want to lose you! You’re everything I’ve ever asked God for - a sister. I’m so concerned about your health, more than you seem to be yourself.”

 

 

I felt a pang of guilt but not regret. “You’re wrong, Lizzy. I was tired of constantly watching my back. I just wanted to live for 2 hours like a normal person.” My voice cracked as I spoke, and tears pricked at the corner of my eyes.

 

I just wanted to live and have fun a little. With everything that has been going on with me, I’m exhausted, so I just wanted to…”

 

Lizzy’s expression softened, and she opened her arms. “Come here,” she said, dragging me into a tight hug. I understand, but I was scared.”

 

As we

 

 

Lizzy pulled back, a teasing glint in her eyes. “So tell me, who was that guy that Ella spoke about?

 

I pretended ignorance, trying to play it cool. “What guy?” I asked, feigning nonchalance.

 

 

Lizzy raised an eyebrow, a huge grin spreading across her face. “Don’t play smart with me, bitch. Tell me now.”

 

We both burst out laughing, and for a moment, our earlier tension was forgotten.

 

“He’s no one, just a random guy that, who helped me after I didn’t see Ella, and I was drunk. He took me to his house.” I explained everything.

 

Lizzy’s eyes widened in excitement. OMG…that’s so cute! So, you guys are on a talking stage now?”

 

She expressed, but I rolled my eyes, exasperated. I knew Lizzy always exaggerated, but this was too much. “You better chill girl, talking stage? Never. I won’t ever do that again. I told you, I am done with men for real. I said to her, so she can finally understand that I’m not kidding. I’m actually serious.

 

Lizzy’s expression turned serious, and she placed her hand on my arm. “Starr, stop. Don’t talk like that. You know….”

 

But I cut her off, my emotions still raw. I didn’t want to hear anything about a man, God!!! I now hated that species. “Lizzy, it’s okay. Not all women are lucky enough to find True Love.

 

“And I get it now. I’m part of them. The unlucky ones, that is my fate, and I’ve accepted it.”

 

“As I looked into Lizzy’s tear-stained face, my heart swelled with love and longing. I took her hands in mine, my voice barely above a whisper.

 

“The only prayers I’ve now, Lizzy, are for my success in business and at work…and for you to find a love that surpasses your wildest dreams. A man that would cherish, support and adore you, even more that you can imagine.” My voice cracked as I spoke, and Lizzy’s eyes overflowed with tears.

 

 

“That’s all I pray for, Elizabeth, I continued, my laced with conviction. “Your happiness means the world to me, and I want you to have it all, the best of the best.”

 

 

Lizzy’s face contorted in a mixture of sadness and gratitude, and she pulled me into a tight hug. “I know that one day, all these thoughts of yours will change. I know, and I’ll remind you of today, babes. I’ll miss you, and I love you so much. Always remember that while you’re away.”

 

 

“My face shrieked with a smile, “I’ll miss you too, best friend. I love you so much too!” I’ll come back.”

 

“I know, I can’t wait.” we stayed like that in each other arms for about 2minutes, till Ella came downstairs, she saw us and decided to make a group hug.

 

 

That night, Lizzy and Ella helped me pack. And we spoke till it was late. Ella went to her room, leaving me and Lizzy to sleep on my bed.

 

 

The sun shined brightly into my room, and I realized it was morning and the time to have my bath. I couldn’t afford to be late to the airport.

 

 

We got into a taxi, and drove straight to the airport and all this while, I noticed that the same black tinted car that looked like the one I saw at Kelvin's house kept on following us. We got to the airport, and it was time for boarding. I hugged my best friend for the last time, hugged Ella too, and waved them goodbye. It was time for me to start a new journey.

As I was boarding, my phone rang. It was a number with no caller ID. I picked, and said “Hello,” but the person on the other end didn’t say anything for a while, after few more seconds I heard “Stay clear away from my man, you bitch!!”

I hung up, and I stared at my phone screen for a while, then I mumbled to myself. “Who was that?” Confusion surged through me, and my head raised with questions.